Darkening of skin after wounds or pimple attacks are common among teens, and early adults but luckily we have topical treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These topical treatments may come in forms of creams and balms that affect the upper layers of the skin.

Scars from accidents or inflammations due to skin infection may cause the skin in an area to produce excessive melanin. This is what is known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which happens to almost anyone. Some don't bother to get it treated if it is hidden. For other people who have hyperpigmentation in areas like the face, there are topical treatments that work as long as the scar isn't too deep.

To begin the process of treatment, a dermatologist may suggest the use of sunscreens on all areas affected that are exposed to the sun. Melanocytes or melanin producing cells in our skin is triggered to produce more melanin when exposed to the sun making the PIH affected area even darker. If the skin is allowed to be exposed to the sun without protection on a regular basis, the treatment may even take longer than it should.

After protecting the skin from the sun, it may be necessary to use a combination of chemical agents to hasten the process of getting rid of the PIH in the epidermal level. Some of the common agents used are glycolic acid, tretinoin cream, corticosteroids, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid. If you consult your dermatologist for treatment of PIH, he or she may suggest a topical cream or lotion with one or a combination of the mentioned chemical agents.

The type of cream and the combination of chemical agents depends on the patients' skin type. Some agents or combination of agents may be more appropriate for individuals with light colored skin while other combinations may be better for individuals with dark colored skin.

The main function of these topical treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is to hasten the production of new naturally colored skin cells in the epidermal layer. The chemical agents present in the topical creams and lotions do this by peeling away skin in the affected area.

The peeling of old skin cells allow the lower layer to be exposed in the outer environment replacing the skin layers that peeled away. The deeper layers of cells in the epidermal layer in turn create more cells that will continue the cycle of replacing the skin layers that were peeled off. The newly produced layers of skin have less melanin pigments which give them the same color as the individual's undamaged skin.

The treatment will hasten the process of producing new natural colored skin, but it will not do this instantly. Expect the treatment to last for at least six months. The creams and lotions will work better if they are applied once a day or as indicated by the instructions of the doctor. Applying too often to hasten results may damage the skin further by peeling away skin that is not ready to be peeled away. The damage may be result to permanent discoloration of the skin not to mention it may be painful. When undergoing treatment make sure to follow the instructions that come with the topical cream or advice of experts on skin issues.

Topical lotions like these are great for treating post acne scars, scars from wounds, and scars from infections. It's best to consult first with your doctor before you try out any products and to ask for detailed advice on how to use such products. If you receive a go signal from your dermatologist you may find topical treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in drug stores near you or directly from your dermatologist.